21 November 2012 11:50

Rafa Benitez has confirmed his interest in the Chelsea job after he emerged as the favourite to succeed Roberto Di Matteo.

Di Matteo was relieved of his duties on Wednesday morning and Sky Sports understands Benitez is the man being targeted. Benitez spoke from Abu Dhabi, where he was attending a coaching seminar, before flying to London and admitted he was waiting for a club who can win trophies.

"I have just found out [about Di Matteo]. Obviously Chelsea is a top side and they can compete for trophies so it goes in this category," he told Sport360.

Asked if he had already spoken to Chelsea, he added:

"You ask directly, I cannot answer directly.

"In football a lot of people are talking so we will see what happens in the next few days. I am looking for a club that can challenge for trophies and Chelsea is one of these clubs."

Benitez is known to have spoken to Chelsea in the summer but backed away as they were only willing to offer a one-year term, with Pep Guardiola - currently on a sabbatical - tipped to take charge.

But the former Liverpool boss seems more open to the prospect, saying: "I have to talk with my agent and see what he has been doing the last couple of days.

"But I am just trying to go to a team that can win. So we will find ways to have a challenge like this."